To support the internationalisation of European SMEs to China, the EU SME Centre is organising a business mission in mid-April 2026 with an invitation to join our pavilion at the Hainan Expo.
In addition to the participation in the Hainan Expo, the 2026 SME Business Mission will include further activities in Shenzhen, such as site visits, B2B matchmaking sessions, market briefings and networking opportunities. The full programme will be published soon.
Who can register
This call for applications is open to SME owners and individuals working for SMEs, start-ups, or clusters and industry associations from the European Union and countries associated to the Single Market Programme, active in consumer product industries, including the following eligible sectors:
• Food & beverage and food supplements;
• Cosmetics and personal care;
• Textile, footwear and apparel;
• Jewelry and fashion accessories;
• Home and household products;
• Baby and infant products;
• Toys and games;
• Pet products;
• Consumer electronics;
• Health and wellness products.
The list above is non exhaustive. If you wish to enquire whether your industry segment is eligible to participate in the 2026 SME Business Mission, please contact our team.
How to participate
Eligibility
Applicants must:
• Work for a legal entity located in the European Union or a country participating in the Single Market Programme.
• Be supported by their employer through a signed letter (in case they do not belong to senior management).
• Be able to participate in the entire programme.
• Have a good command of English.
Cost
The EU SME Centre’s services are funded by the European Union and are free of charge to the mission’s participants. All the activities included in the programme are covered by the EU SME Centre.
Participants are responsible for covering their travel, accommodation, and meal costs, including:
• Flights and other travel expenses to and from China.
• Inter-city travel.
• Hotel accommodation.
• Other living expenses in China, including local transportation and meals.
• Approximative estimated cost per person: EUR 2,750 – 3,500.
Assistance in flight booking and accommodation options with discounted offers will be provided to the participants.
